Skåland: Farms, History and Cultural Landscape

Skåland and its cultural landscape

Skåland is shaped by a cultural landscape whose farms, buildings and paths reveal different chapters in the area’s history. The regional plan, last amended on 23 May 2023, describes the area as a cultural landscape of considerable regional conservation interest, as well as having educational and experiential value. Along Lundevatnet lie the well-preserved, little-altered farms of Brådet, Biden, Jordet and Neset. They include houses, barns, a farm sawmill, a mill and an outbuilding. Together, these buildings offer insight into the traditional agricultural cultural landscape.

The Biden farm connects local history with the life of Member of Parliament Ole Gabriel Ueland: he was born and grew up there. The farm itself has undergone comparatively little change since it was built. Its house and barn date from 1880. Most of the buildings at Jorde farm date from around 1837. The house and barn are well preserved on the outside; the house also retains a high degree of authenticity inside. These farms illustrate different aspects of Skåland’s historic buildings.

Industrial history and cultural monuments

Skaaland Health House was established in 1931/32 as a tuberculosis home for what was then Rogaland County. The Skåland Tuberculosis Home is included in the national conservation plan for child and youth welfare institutions. The power station near Skåland is another part of the area’s industrial history: it shows that the institution secured its own electricity supply. Skåland Sawmill is also a notable cultural monument. Its distinctive features include a raised stone flume and a circular saw.

Another artistic trace is the outdoor sculpture “Framut” by Christian Sunde. It stands in an old well basin in the apple orchard on the former grounds of Skåland ungdomsbase. The former location of the youth base and the sculpture’s setting describe the context in which the artwork is situated; they do not indicate access to the former main building.

Historic paths and hiking

A historic route description traces a path from Moi in the 17th century, along the western shore of Lundevatnet to Skåland and Gursli. It places the route within the former connection through this landscape. Separately, the historic riding and hiking trail is of interest for hiking: it has been cleared and marked, with signposts at several points, and is used as a hiking trail towards Sokndal. Check trail conditions locally before planning your hike.

More to explore in the wider Lund destination

The wider Lund destination has other cultural and historical points of interest. Lund Bygdemuseum og Kulturbank is located at Lund Prestegård, about 300 metres south of the centre of Moi. Its particularly extensive collections include objects related to spinning-wheel making and the cooperage trade. The Kulturstien is a circular route with six stops in the centre of Moi, highlighting Moi’s industrial history, community life and natural beauty.

The Gursli mining area is also part of Lund’s regional cultural offering: preserved mine buildings and ore-processing facilities make it an open-air museum of mining culture. These examples place Skåland’s particular focus—farms, cultural landscape and historic institutions—in a broader regional context, without equating the places or their distinctive features.

Discover more destinations: Moi, Hovsherad, Lund, Ualand.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Lund.